Method for disinfection of items and spaces

ABSTRACT

This disclosure provides a method of disinfecting a surface within an area, comprising the steps of: a) dispersing into the area a multiplicity of droplets of a first aqueous composition comprising a first iodine reactant compound that is either a peroxide compound or an iodine salt compound: b) allowing sufficient time for the first aqueous composition to distribute throughout the area, and to deposit and coalesce into a layer upon the surface: c) dispersing into the area a multiplicity of droplets of a second aqueous composition comprising a second iodine reactant compound that is the other of the first iodine reactant compound, and: d) again allowing sufficient time for the droplets of the second aqueous composition to deposit onto the coalesced layer of the first aqueous composition, thereby forming iodine and other iodine biocides in situ and disinfecting the surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/912,734, filed Jun. 26, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/202,269, filed on Nov. 28, 2018, which claimsthe benefit of the filing date of the Provisional Patent Application No.62/591,812, filed on Nov. 29, 2017; and U.S. application Ser. No.16/912,734 is a Continuation-ln-Part Application of U.S. applicationSer. No. 16/755,361, filed on Apr. 10, 2020, which is a National StageApplication of International Application Number PCT/US2018/055367, filedon Oct. 11, 2018, which claims the benefit of the filing date ofProvisional Patent Application No. 62/570,808, filed Oct. 11, 2017, ofProvisional Patent Application No. 62/591,588, filed on Nov. 28, 2017,and of Provisional Patent Application No. 62/591,591, filed on Nov. 28,2017; and U.S. application Ser. No. 16/912.734 is a Continuation-In-PartApplication of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/747,621, filed on Jan. 21,2020, which is a Continuation Application of U.S. application Ser. No.16/198,570, filed on Nov. 21, 2018, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,603,396on Mar. 31, 2020, which is a Continuation-In-Part Application fInternational Application Number PCT/US2017/034519, filed on May 25,2017, which claims the benefit of the filing date of Provisional PatentApplication Number 62/341, 799, filed on May 26, 2016, the disclosuresof which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of disinfection and sterilizationmethods.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

There is a need for an inexpensive, effective, yet safe and convenientmethod to minimize the microbial burden of objects we interact with.This method must not leave behind microbes with resistance to futuretreatment. And, this need is becoming more compelling as microbes vwhich are resistant o virtually all known antibiotics are becoming morecommon.

What is needed is a way to kill virtually all microbes in a way thatthey cannot develop a resistance to the antimicrobial. A potential wayto do this would be to utilize ingredients and methods that arerelatively safe to humans but are biocidal.

Iodine is a well-known, relatively safe biocide, more recently hydrogenperoxide has been shown to fight microbes and electricity has a biocidaleffect. Sunlight, which emits energy in the ultraviolet wavelengths, isalso well known for its biocidal properties.

The problem with these safe biocides is that each one individually isnot effective against all types of microbes, and several target microbeshave developed defense mechanisms against these biocides. However,combinations of two or more of these biocides have proven to worksynergistically to enhance each one's effects. In particular, combininga salt of iodine with hydrogen peroxide has been shown to solve severalproblems with the use of iodine for disinfection. Thus, it is possibleto include iodine into the array of safe biocides Iodine is anexceptional biocide because it is effective against virtually all typesof microbes at relatively low dosage. In addition, it has severalbiocidal mechanisms so there is no known instance of microbes developingresistance to iodine after exposure.

Typically, iodine disinfectants have traditionally been used asleave-in-place, on-demand disinfectants. But they leave an unsightlycolor and other negative traits. Thus, if these negative traits ofiodine are not wanted, it must be rinsed-away. When surfaces exceedingtens of square centimeters are to be treated by any of the commoncommercial forms of iodine, problems arise. There is either so muchtotal iodine transferred to the surface resulting in large unsightlyareas, or it requires a lot of post cleanup which is time consuming andexpensive.

It is also time consuming and expensive to apply the traditional iodineantiseptics to surfaces exceeding tens of square centimeters. They aretraditionally painted on which is time consuming and thus expensive. Acheaper method would be to spray it on. However, that leads to safetyissues.

Inhalation of elemental iodine is problematic and more toxic to humansthan hydrogen peroxide or iodine salts such as potassium iodide. Forexample, elemental iodine is considered a poison if dosed internallywhereas an iodine salt such as potassium iodide is used as a medicineand a common food additive.

Another safety concern is the droplet size emitted by a sprayer. If itemits droplets smaller in size than about 10 microns it can lead to deeplung penetration which worsens any health concerns. On the other hand,if they are larger than 50 to 80 microns their “hang time” is notsufficient to arrive at distant surfaces because of gravity.

As a result, there is still a need for sterilization and disinfectingmethods utilizing iodine that are simultaneously effective, convenient,and safe.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The invention disclosed herein provides an improvement to disinfectingsurfaces using iodine chemistry by eliminating instability, solubilityand human safety issues associated with forming iodine at any pointprior to application on a surface. The disclosed invention providesimproved methods for disinfecting surfaces by dispersing iodineproducing reactant compounds at very low levels in separate applicationsteps and forming iodine biocides directly on surfaces to bedisinfected.

The invention disclosed herein involves applying coatings of a lowconcentration of a safe iodine salt (such as potassium iodide) and,separately, a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Reactions betweenthe iodine salt and hydrogen peroxide produce on surfaces to be treatedproduces low levels of elemental iodine (I₂) along with very low levelsof HOI—which along with I₂ and H₂O₂ provide multiple mechanisms to killmicrobes. The low levels of iodine biocide compounds produced by thismethod does not create the safety, color or odor problems associatedwith traditional iodine containing disinfectants.

Another aspect of safety is the droplet size emitted by a spray deliverydevice. The preferred method does not deliver droplets smaller in sizethan about 10 microns nor does it deliver droplets larger than 50 to 80microns whose “hang-time” is not sufficient to arrive at distantsurfaces because of gravity. “Hang-time” is the amount of time it takesa droplet of a certain diameter to fall one meter under the influence ofgravity. Smaller diameter droplets have a considerably longer hang-timethan larger diameter droplets.

Both of the above benefits (safety and “hang-time”) are enhanced byelectrostatics in that charged droplets repel each other (increasing“hang-time”) and are attracted to surfaces including the nasal cavity,thus further reducing deep lung penetration.

Another advantage of this method is the ability of all the components tovolatilize after the sterilization is complete. The invention disclosedherein provides a way to have an effective iodine leave-in-placedisinfectant that does not have residual color, odor or otherundesirable effects. Combined with a surface layer that does not exceed15 microns or preferably 6 microns, the small amount of materialapplied, and the volatility of the ingredients assures rapidevaporation. Thus, a room or item that has been treated can be quicklyreturned to service without the need for additional treatments toremove. components from treated surfaces.

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method of disinfecting asurface in need of disinfecting within an area, comprising the steps of:a) dispersing into the area a multiplicity of droplets of a firstaqueous composition comprising a first iodine reactant compound that iseither a peroxide compound or an iodine salt compound: b) allowing atime sufficient for the first aqueous composition to distributethroughout the area, and to deposit and coalesce into a layer upon thesurface: c) dispersing into the area a multiplicity of droplets of asecond aqueous composition comprising a second iodine reactant compoundthat is the other of the first iodine reactant compound, and: d)allowing a second time sufficient for the droplets of the second aqueouscomposition to deposit onto the coalesced layer of the first aqueouscomposition, thereby forming iodine and other iodine biocides in situand disinfecting the surface.

In another aspect of the disclosure, at least one of the first aqueouscomposition or the second aqueous composition can also include otherbiocide compounds, including but not limited to alcohols and essentialoils.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the method further includes thestep of illuminating either or both of the first and second reactantcompound and/or the surface on which they deposit within the area with awavelength consisting essentially of ultraviolet light.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the multiplicity of droplets of thefirst aqueous composition is electrostatically charged.

In another aspect of the disclosure the charge polarity of the sprayerwhen it sprays the first and the second compound is optimized to providethe most desirable reaction of the first and second compounds.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the multiplicity of droplets of thesecond aqueous composition is electrostatically charged with theopposite polarity of the first aqueous composition.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the surface in need of disinfectingis grounded.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of disinfecting asurface in need of disinfecting within an area, comprising the steps of:a) dispersing into the area a multiplicity of electrostatically-chargeddroplets of a first aqueous composition comprising a biocidal compoundselected from the group consisting of: i) a peroxide compound or aniodine salt, ii) an alcohol, iii) an essential oil; b) allowing a firsttime sufficient for the first aqueous composition to distributethroughout the area, and to deposit and coalesce into a layer upon thesurface; c) dispersing into the area a multiplicity of droplets of asecond aqueous composition comprising a different one of the biocidalcompound, and; d) allowing a second time sufficient for the droplets ofthe second aqueous composition to deposit onto the coalesced layer ofthe first aqueous composition, thereby disinfecting the surface.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of disinfecting asurface, comprising the steps of: a) spraying electrostatically a firstaqueous composition comprising a peroxide compound, toward and intocontact with the surface; b) spraying a second aqueous compositioncomprising an iodine salt toward and into contact with the first aqueouscomposition on the surface, and; c) allowing the second aqueous liquidcomposition to contact the first aqueous liquid composition, therebyforming iodine biocides in situ and disinfecting the surface.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of disinfecting asurface in need of disinfecting within an area containing ambient air,comprising the steps of: a) heating a first aqueous compositioncomprising a peroxide compound to produce a vapor comprising theperoxide compound in the ambient air; b) allowing a first timesufficient for the vapor comprising the peroxide compound to distributethroughout the area, and to cool, condense and deposit into a liquidlayer upon the surface, the liquid layer comprising the peroxidecompound; c) heating a second aqueous composition comprising an iodinesalt compound, and; d) allowing a second time sufficient for the iodinesalt compound to distribute throughout the area, and to cool and depositthe iodine salt compound onto the liquid layer comprising the peroxidecompound, thereby forming an iodine biocide in situ and disinfecting thesurface.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the first aqueous composition isheated at about 250° C.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the first aqueous composition andthe second aqueous composition are cooled to about 55° C. to condenseand deposit onto surfaces within the area to be disinfected.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the first aqueous composition andthe second aqueous composition are comprised of food-grade components.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of disinfecting asurface in need of disinfecting within an area containing ambient air,comprising the steps of: a) introducing a first aqueous compositioncomprising a peroxide compound into a first hot gaseous stream toproduce a vapor comprising the peroxide compound, and discharging thefirst hot gaseous stream comprising the peroxide compound vapor into theambient air; b) allowing a first time sufficient for the vaporcomprising the peroxide compound to distribute throughout the ambientair of the area, and to cool, condense and deposit into a liquid layerupon the surface, the liquid layer comprising the peroxide compound; c)introducing a second aqueous composition comprising an iodine saltcompound into a second hot gaseous stream and discharging the second hotgaseous stream comprising the iodine salt compound into the ambient air,and; d) allowing a second time sufficient for the iodine salt compoundto distribute throughout the ambient air of the area, and to cool anddeposit the iodine salt compound onto the first liquid layer comprisingthe peroxide compound, thereby forming an iodine biocide in situ anddisinfecting the surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a method for sterilizing rooms, areas,and surfaces within those areas; particularly by generating iodinebiocides on those targets in situ by applying iodine biocide reactantcompounds in two or more separate applications. The method describedherein is safer because the iodine biocides are formed directly on thetarget only after all reaction components have been applied.

The term, “health care surface” refers to a surface of a surface of aninstrument, a device, a cart, a cage, furniture, a structure, abuilding, or the like that is employed as part of a health careactivity.

As used herein, the term, “in situ,” refers to the production of aniodine biocide directly on the target surface, after application of twoseparate compositions containing iodine reactant compounds. This isdistinct from other sterilization or disinfection methods that utilizethe term in situ to describe the location at which two or more reactionmixtures are first mixed in a reaction vessel to form an iodine biocide,before subsequently applying the iodine biocide onto a surface or area.

As used herein, the term, “instrument,” refers to the various medical ordental instruments or devices that can benefit from cleaning with acomposition according to the present disclosure.

As used herein, the term “microorganism” refers to any noncellular orunicellular (including colonial) organism. Microorganisms include allprokaryotes. Microorganisms include bacteria (including cyanobacteria),spores, lichens, fungi, protozoa, virinos, viroids, viruses, phages, andsome algae. As used herein, the term “microbe” is synonymous withmicroorganism.

As used herein, the phrase, “iodine salt”, refers to any salt of iodinethat is capable of forming an iodine biocide that is effective as adisinfecting agent.

As used herein, the term, “iodine biocide compound” refers to anycompound that can react with an iodine salt to form an iodine biocide,including but not limited to hydrogen peroxide, metal peroxides, andozone.

As used herein, the term “polyhydric alcohol” refers to an alcohol thathas two or more hydroxyl groups. Polyhydric alcohols suitable for use inthe aqueous compositions include but are not limited to sugars, sugaralcohols, and non-aliphatic polyhydric alcohols such as phenols.

Concentrations, dimensions, amounts, and other numerical data may bepresented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that suchrange format is used merely for convenience and brevity.

In accordance with these definitions, several methods for disinfectingtarget surfaces within an area by forming iodine biocides on thosesurfaces in situ are provided. The potential applications for thesemethods are extraordinarily diverse, including but not limited todisinfecting animal living spaces, food products and processingsurfaces, health care surfaces and instruments, laboratories, restrooms,vehicles, schools, offices, public transportation, industrialfacilities, and countless other areas and surfaces. This disclosureovercomes the deficiencies associated with direct delivery of iodine forsterilization, particularly with regard to the instability, insolubilityand safety of iodine biocides.

This disclosure harnesses the power of iodine chemistry to disinfecttarget surfaces while utilizing ingredients that are safe and have avery long shelf life and that anyone can obtain at their local grocerystore or pharmacy.

Without berg limited by theory, the antimicrobial action of iodine isquick and effective at low concentrations, and thus it is used inoperating theatres. It is believed to penetrate into microorganisms andattack particular amino acids (such as cysteine and methionine),nucleotides, and fatty acids, ultimately resulting in cell death. Italso has an antiviral action. It may also destabilize membrane fattyacids by reacting with unsaturated carbon bonds.

It is believed that peroxides are effective as disinfectants becausethey are powerful oxidizing agents that can irreversibly damage proteinsand DNA within microorganisms. Additionally, peroxides can reactivateiodine if it is reduced to iodide by oxidizing it. Thus, lower levels ofiodine are required because peroxides can recycle iodide back to theiodine active state.

Alcohols are also believed to be effective biocides denaturing cellwalls of microbes making it harder for them to control their cellcontents. This mechanism would also reduce a microbe's ability to resistthe penetration of iodine and peroxides. It also helps other biocideswork by lowering the surface tension of water.

Used together, the various components of this disclosure work togetherto produce an exceptional microbe kill by a large number of differingmechanisms. This makes it virtually impossible for a microbe to acquireimmunity.

Essentially, this disclosure provides a method for disinfecting surfaceswithin an area that needs disinfecting, the method comprising the stepsof: dispersing into the area a multiplicity of droplets of a firstaqueous composition comprising a first iodine biocide reactant compound;allowing a time sufficient for the first aqueous composition todistribute throughout the area, and to deposit and coalesce into a layerabout the surfaces; dispersing a multiplicity of droplets of a secondaqueous composition comprising a second iodine biocide reactantcompound; and allowing a second time sufficient for the second aqueouscomposition to deposit onto the coalesced layer of the first aqueouscomposition, thereby forming an iodine biocide in situ and disinfectingthe surfaces.

So long as an iodine biocide is formed only on the surface to bedisinfected, the effectiveness of the method is independent of the orderin which the iodine biocide reactant compounds are dispersed. Thus, thefirst iodine biocide reactant compound can either be an iodine saltcompound or a peroxide compound, so long as the second iodine biocidereactant compound is the opposite compound of that chosen to be thefirst iodine biocide reactant compound.

The peroxide compound present in either aqueous composition is anycompound that can react with an iodine salt to form an iodine biocide.Generally, these will include but not be limited to hydrogen peroxide,metal peroxides, or ozone. In some embodiments, the peroxide compound ishydrogen peroxide. The peroxide compound may be present in an aqueouscomposition at concentrations ranging from about 0.1% to about 10% byweight.

The iodine salt compound present in either aqueous composition is anyiodine salt that can effectively form an iodine biocide by reacting witha peroxide compound. Non-limiting examples of compounds which can beused include hydrogen iodide, sodium iodide, and potassium iodide. Theiodine salt may be present in an aqueous composition at concentrationsranging from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, the disinfectant methodsdescribed above for generating iodine biocides on surfaces to bedisinfected can be used for a variety of user-identified biocidal and/oranti-microbial purposes, including antimicrobial, bleaching, orsanitizing applications.

In some embodiments, the iodine biocides generated according to themethod of the present disclosure are effective for killing one or moreof the pathogenic bacteria associated with a health care surfaces andinstruments including but not limited to, Salmonella typhimurium,Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella choleraesurus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Escherichia coli, Mycobacteria, yeast, and mold. In other embodiments,the generated iodine biocides are also effective in domestic orindustrial applications and can be applied in a variety of areasincluding but not limited to kitchens, bathrooms, factories, hospitals,dental offices, restaurants, laundry or textile services, animal stallsand food processing plants.

Furthermore, the iodine biocides generated according to the method ofthe present disclosure are effective against a wide variety ofmicroorganisms, such as Gram-positive organisms (Listeria monocytogenesor Staphylococcus aureus). Gram-negative organisms (Escherichia coli orPseudomonas aeruginosa), catalase-positive organisms (Micrococcus luteusor Staphylococcus epidermidis), or sporulent organisms (Bacillussubtilis).

The disclosureis illustrated by the following examples.

EXAMPLES

The following example illustrates the embodiments of the disclosure thatare presently best known. However, it is to be understood that thefollowing is only illustrative of the application of the principles ofthe present disclosure. Numerous modifications and alternativecompositions, methods, and systems may be devised by those skilled inthe art hout departing from he spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure.

Example 1: Closed-System Electrospray Distribution and Log-Kill Studies

A study was conducted in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure to determine the antimicrobial effect of a method where aniodine biocide is formed on target surfaces within a 1 cubic metertranslucent plastic cube in situ by applying two separate aqueouscompositions, one containing potassium iodide and one containinghydrogen peroxide. The following ingredients are included in approximateamounts:

First Aqueous Composition:

0.64% (wiw) potassium iodide

15% (w!w) Ethanol

0.003% (wiw) Cinnamon Oil

84.357% (w/w) Distilled Water

Second Aqueous Composition:

5,25% (wiw) Hydrogen Peroxide

15% (wfw) Ethanol

79.75% (wiw) Distilled Water

To simultaneously evaluate whether an electrospray device would evenlydistribute an aqueous composition including an iodine biocide reactantcompound, the first aqueous composition is applied using a Hurricane ES™Portable Electrostatic Aerosol Applicator. Two analytical balances areplaced inside the cube and connected to a computer station configured tocollect and record mass measurements as a function of time. On eachbalance, a 1000 square centimeter plastic sheet is placed on the balanceweighing pan. The position of each balance is staggered to be indifferent positions along the x, y, and z axes in relation to theposition of the electrostatic sprayer. The second aqueous composition isapplied using a hand sprayer.

Cultures from commercially-available strains of three species ofbacteria—Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, and Staphylococcusepidermis—are selected for the log-kill studies because they possessseveral known defense mechanisms to common biocides while at the sametime having different physical properties from each other. Sterilized,pre-poured agar plates are used as growth media to produce colonies ofeach bacteria. Eight plates are inoculated for each species. Of those 8plates, 4 plates are exposed to the aqueous compositions that containthe iodine biocide reactant compounds, and 4 are held out as controls.Plates are inoculated using the standard T-method of streaking forlog-kill studies, where the concentration of bacteria in the fourthquadrant of the plate is approximately 1,000,000× diluted with respectto the first quadrant. The test plates for each species are then placedinside the cube. After the cube is closed, the lids are opened. Controlplates are sealed with tape.

The first aqueous composition is then applied to the entire cube byelectrospray for 30 seconds with a set particle size of about 15 to 60microns. During the application, mass measurements from the two balancesare collected and recorded by the computer. The time of application isselected to provide a 3 microns thick coating within the treatment spaceas measured by the balances. After about 1 minutes, the second aqueouscomposition is applied using a hand sprayer, and the entire system isuntouched for another 5 minutes. Lids are replaced on each of the testplates inside the cube before being brought out into the ambientenvironment, where they are sealed with tape. The sealed test plates andthe control plates are then incubated at about 28° C. and inspectedafter 1, 2, and 4 days.

The results of the tests are provided as follows:

TABLE 1 Electrospray Distribution  Mass-First Aqueous Composition (g)Balance A (with 1000 cm{circumflex over ( )}2 plate) 0.201 Balance B(with 1000 cm{circumflex over ( )}2 plate) 0.195

TABLE 2 Presence of colonies after 1 day (+ or −) Plate Number B.subtilis M. luteus S. epidermis 1 − − − 2 − − − 3 − − − 4 − − −

TABLE 3 Presence of colonies after 2 days (+ or −) Plate Number B.subtilis M. luteus S. epidermis 1 − − − 2 − − − 3 − − − 4 − − −

Presence of colonies after 4 days (+ or −) Plate Number B. subtilis M.luteus S. epidermis 1 − − − 2 − − − 3 − − − 4 − − −

The mass of the first aqueous composition deposited on balance A andbalance B indicates a difference of 0.006 grams which is only a 3%difference. In combination with a qualitative observation that theinside surfaces of the cube appear to be equally coated with liquid, itis believed that the electrospray evenly distributes the first aqueouscomposition within the cube.

All controls produce the expected results, with positive control platesnot treated with aqueous compositions containing iodine biocide reactantcompounds showing characteristic growth for each organism. Over the 16control plates, there is an average of 4 or 5 colonies in the fourthquadrant of the plate, indicating that there are 45,000,000 colonies inthe initial inoculation.

Therefore, the lack of colonies on the test plates, coupled with theapproximately 45,000,000 colonies observed on the control plates,indicates that the method is effective to at least a log-6 kill rate,representing a kill of 99.9999% of the bacteria originally present onthe plate.

Example II: Fifteen Petri dishes containing nutrient agar were streakedwith Bacillus subtilus in three zones in the traditional manner. Five ofthe Petris were sealed after streaking (control). Five Petris weresprayed with a solution containing 2 ppm Kl and 10% ethanol,sufficiently to wet the surface, and then sealed. And, five Petris wereinitially sprayed as before, and then subsequently sprayed with asolution containing 5% hydrogen peroxide and 2.5% isopropanol, and thensealed.

After incubating all 15 Petri dishes at 40° C. for three days, thenumber of colony forming units was estimated as follows: about 10k forthe control; about 6k for the Kl control and “0” for the double spraytest.

While particular embodiments of the disclosure have been described, thedisclosure can be further modified within the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerousequivalents to the specific procedures, embodiments, claims, andexamples described herein.

It is also understood by those familiar with the art that from theSummary of the Disclosure to the Example, the word “bromine” can besubstituted for the word “iodine” and the word “bromide” can besubstituted for the word “iodide” because as a neighboring halide, itsreactions with peroxide are similar to iodine and its ability to killmicrobes is also similar to iodine. Furthermore, it will also beapparent and understood by the practitioners of the art that the saltsof bromine and iodine are compatible and can be used together andconcurrently in biocidal formulations.

Because the instant application is a continuation application, to theextent any amendments, characterizations, or other assertions previouslymade (in any related patent applications or patents, including anyparent, sibling, or child) with respect to any art, prior or otherwise,could be construed as a disclaimer of any subject matter supported bythe present disclosure of this application, Applicant hereby rescindsand retracts such disclaimer. Applicant also respectfully submits thatany prior art previously considered in any related patent applicationsor patents, including any parent, sibling, or child, may need to bere-visited.

We claim:
 1. A method of disinfecting a surface in need of disinfecting,within an area, said method comprising: dispersing into said area amultiplicity of droplets of a first aqueous composition comprising afirst reactant compound that is either a peroxide compound or an iodinesalt compound; allowing a time sufficient for said first aqueouscomposition to distribute throughout the area and to deposit andcoalesce into a layer upon said surface; dispersing into said area amultiplicity of droplets of a second aqueous composition comprising asecond reactant compound that is the other of the first reactantcompound; and, allowing a second sufficient time for the droplets of thesecond aqueous composition to deposit onto the coalesced layer of thefirst aqueous composition to form a reaction layer thereby forming abiocide reactant compound of iodine in situ on the reaction layer anddisinfecting said surface.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein an amount ofthe dispersed first aqueous composition is sufficient to provide thecoalesced layer of the first aqueous composition with a substantiallyuniform thickness of at least about 1 micron and up to about 20 microns.3. The method of claim 2 wherein the amount of the dispersed secondaqueous composition is sufficient to provide as coalesced layer of thesecond aqueous composition with a substantially uniform thickness of atleast about 1 micron sand up to about 20 microns.
 4. The method of claim3 wherein the amount of the dispersed first aqueous composition issufficient to provide the coalesced layer of the first aqueouscomposition with a substantially uniform thickness of at least about 3microns and up to about 20 microns.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein themultiplicity of droplets of the first aqueous composition areelectrostatically charged droplets.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein themultiplicity of electrostatically charged droplets of the first aqueouscomposition are negatively charged.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein themultiplicity of electrostatically charged droplets of the first aqueouscomposition are positively charged.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein themultiplicity of droplets of the second aqueous composition areelectrostatically charged droplets.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein themultiplicity of electrostatically charged droplets of the second aqueouscomposition are negatively charged.
 10. The method of claim 8 whereinthe multiplicity of electrostatically charged droplets of the secondaqueous composition are positively charged.
 11. The method of claim 1wherein the first aqueous composition comprises about 0.01% to about1.0% by weight potassium iodide.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein thesecond aqueous composition comprises about 3% to about 7% by weighthydrogen peroxide.